B i o g r a p h yBenjamin received his Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance from Gustavus Adolphus College, under Helen Baumgartner.

He has recently been chaired as pianist with Mankato Symphony Orchestra. Since 2004, Ben has performed as the Artist In Residence at Morgan Creek Vineyards Wine Down for the Weekend Music Series.

Benjamin was awarded the PLRAC/McKnight Emerging Artist Grant to fund a recording of new repertoire in 2012. He also accompanies for churches and educational institutions throughout southern Minnesota.

Our Christmas Eve Orchestra will again play carols preceding the 5:00 p.m. service. We hope that you will come at 4:30pm to listen to us! If you would like to join in on the playing, we will have one practice on that day at 2:30 pm. Please bring your instrument and a music stand if possible.

November 10, 2017 This Sunday – November 12

The new Executive Presbyter of Minnesota Valleys Presbytery is the Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley, and she will be preaching in our congregation on Sunday morning, November 12, 2017, at the 10:00 AM worship service, and available to meet and talk with all attending at coffee hour, following worship. This is an exciting moment for us in MVP, and is a wonderful chance for us in Mankato to get to know Rev. Ashley and begin working closely with her.

Rev. Dr. Ashley is the seventh child of Dorothy and Freddie Gaulman. Born in Frankfurt, Germany to a military family, SanDawna spent her formative years living in Columbia, South Carolina and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. SanDawna is married to the Reverend Murphy Ashley, Jr. She is the mother of Jay, and grandmother of Christian and Olivia.

Rev. Ashley served as Assistant Stated Clerk, manager for Call Process Support and Teaching Elders Ministries in the Office of the General Assembly. In her work, she provided training, consultation, coaching, and resources for presbyteries in support of congregations, COMs, call seekers and calling organizations. Additionally, her experience includes serving as the denomination’s Associate for Leadership Development with direct responsibility for equipping adaptive pastors, working with committees and assisting call seekers in vocational discernment. As the Associate for Gender and Racial Justice, Rev. Ashley facilitated ministries and programs at all levels of the church that assisted the PC(USA) in becoming an inclusive, diverse, and racially just denomination.

Her pastoral service includes serving as senior pastor and solo pastor of congregations in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Illinois. Rev. Ashley has degrees from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Doctor of Ministry (DMIN) with a concentration in leadership development and congregational transformation, Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary Masters of Divinity in the Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Care (MDIV) and Georgia State University Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).

September 14, 2017

Introducing Michael McKenzie – Choir Director

B i o g r a p h y

Michael is currently a senior Choral and Instrumental Music Education double major at Gustavus Adolphus College. He is a Björling scholarship and music award winner. He studies Horn and Voice at Gustavus with Melissa Morey and Dr. David Kozisek. Michael is an active student conductor at Gustavus.

As a Horn player Michael has played in the Gustavus Wind Orchestra, Vasa Wind Orchestra, Gustavus Horn Choir, and Gustavus Brass Choir.

While not active as a Percussion student, Michael has studied Percussion with Paul Hill and has played with the Gustavus Wind Orchestra, Encore Wind Ensemble, Vasa Wind Orchestra, Percussion ensemble, Gustavus Philharmonic Orchestra, Choir of Christ Chapel, and was most recently featured as a percussion soloist with the Gustavus Choir

As a singer Michael sings Bass/Baritone in the Gustavus Choirs as well as in Legacy A Capella.

While dabbling in composition, Michael was recently awarded as a finalist in the 2016 Gustavus Music for Peace Composition Contest.

As a conductor Michael has lead performances with the Belchertown High School Symphony Band, the Vasa Wind Orchestra, and the Choir of Christ Chapel. Michael has studied conducting with James Patrick Miller, Ruth Lin, Brandon Dean, and Gregory Aune.

Monetary gifts will be collected on Sunday, September 3, 2017 for this special session
authorized offering.
Funds may be remitted later as well.

Please make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church of Mankato and mark all checks and envelopes “HARVEY/PDA.”

We are working with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance of the PCUSA, a truly outstanding relief organization.

“The Lord who created you says: Do not fear for I have called you by name and you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the overflowing rivers, they shall not overwhelm you, for I am the Lord your God. You are precious in my sight and honored, and I love you. Do not fear, for I am with you.” – Isaiah 43

August 13, 2017 – Singing Hills Chorus:

Fall Session, Registration & Concert

A community-building movement that connects music, people and joyful purpose.

The Mankato & North Mankato ACT on Alzheimer’s Action Team is proud to introduce a new and excitingopportunity for people in the community to join together for a unique choral experience. The chorus is especially created for persons with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, and their care partners.

• No singing experience required
• Music director understands singers’ potential
• Comfortable rehearsal space with good acoustics
• Variety of music, familiar and challenging, adapted as needed
• Personalized music books and practice CDs
• Weekly rehearsals and a public performance
• Social time for singers and volunteers
• Dementia-aware volunteers available to assist

Chorus members include people with dementia, their care partners and volunteers. We welcome any person who is living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia who can attend the structured weekly rehearsals and, most importantly, wants to make good music and good friends! There are no auditions, and no musical training or experience is necessary. The rehearsals culminate in a public performance showcasing the accomplishments of the singers.Volunteer Singers
Our volunteer singers sing alongside the person with dementia. They will help them follow the music and lyrics, taking instructional notes and ensuring that all the singers have a comfortable and enjoyable experience during rehearsals and performances.

Rehearsals: 10am-11:30am
Cost: $35 per person.
The person with dementia must register with
a care partner. Scholarships are available. Cost includes rehearsal and
practice materials, refreshments and snacks and a performance scarf.Location:
School Sisters of Notre Dame, 170 Good Counsel Drive,
Mankato. Parking is free.

The Chorus Experience – “The only thing better than singing is more singing.”
Ella Fitzgerald

Concert
Each session will culminate in a public performance for family, friends and the community at large. The first performance is scheduled on December 16, 1pm. Tickets are $10. The concert will be held in the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Counsel. Tickets will go on sale October 16.

Volunteer with Us
Volunteers help us deliver a rewarding and inspiring choral experience. You may volunteer as a singer in the chorus or as a helper during rehearsals, the concert or day-to-day operations.

About the Mankato & North Mankato ACT on Alzheimer’s Action Team
Mankato and North Mankato are one of 48 ACT on Alzheimer’s dementia-friendly communities in Minnesota. We are committed to creating a dementia friendly community that is respectful, safe, informed and engaging.

Visit mnraaa.org/act to learn about other ACT initiatives.
Affiliate Member of Giving Voice Initiative

Singing Hills Chorus is an affiliate member of the newly-formed Giving Voice Initiative (GVI). We are the first GVI chorus in outstate Minnesota! The GVI is modeled after the Giving Voice Chorus which began in 2014 in collaboration with MacPhail Center for Music.

As a GVI member, it is our priority is to meet the needs of people with Alzheimer’s who live in community because they generally have fewer opportunities to socialize and be creative. Similarly, their care partners often feel isolated and alone. In serving these community members, GVI choruses create unique opportunities for people to connect, grow, challenge stereotypes, and significantly improve quality of life.
201 N. Broad Street, Suite 102, Mankato, MN 56001 – singinghillschorus.org

Registration
Register online at singinghillschorus.org. If you would like to pay by check, download
the registration form. If you would like a registration form mailed or emailed to you,
call 507-508-3068 or email katoactonalz@yahoo.com.

Space is limited to 60 registered members. Volunteers singers may be paired with the chorus member living with dementia. Care partners may sing in their own section.

The Mankato & North Mankato ACT on Alzheimer’s Action Team invites local faith community leaders to learn about Dementia Friendly Faith Communities.

Dementia and the Spirit:
A Journey and a DestinationOver 92,000 Minnesotans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and nearly 251,000 family members and loved ones are in a caregiver role. This half-day seminar will provide faith communities with resources to support those living with or caring for someone with dementia in their community. Information about the disease, effective communication, focusing on the person and the importance of spirituality in dementia care will be discussed.

Space is limited. For more information, contact katoactonalz@yahoo.com.Presenter: Katie Roberg Program Service Specialist, Alzheimer’s Association MN-ND ChapterA certificate of attendance will be provided at the conclusion of the seminar.

A special congregational meeting is called by the Session to amend the bylaws of the First Presbyterian Church of Mankato on Sunday, August 13, 2017 immediately following worship, in the sanctuary, at approximately 11:00 AM.

No other business will come before the congregation at this time, and it is anticipated that this will be a brief meeting.

Copies of the ​proposed amended bylaws, passed by the Session earlier this year, will be in the narthex on the wooden table near the stair case. Your attendance is requested.

Rev. Dr. Nancy A. De Vries, Pastor & Moderator

Music Legend Robert Robinson March 29, 2017

A full house and balcony — an amazing experience in our church last night with gospel music legend Robert Robinson, his band and the East H.S. Choir.

The church will be closed Friday, February 24th due to BLIZZARD WARNING! Stay warm and stay inside — be safe.

Join us for this great community celebration of the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. on our nation and our community. The Pathfinder Awards recipients will be honored at the 33rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration on Monday, January 16, 2017 in the CSU Ballroom on the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with hors d’ oeuvres & social time.
The program begins at 6:15 p.m. with the awards, followed by
entertainment at 6:35 p.m. and our keynote at 6:45 p.m.
Our Keynote Speaker for the evening is Rashad Turner.

Turner was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, he graduated in 2003 from St. Paul Highland Park. In 2008, Turner graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Hamline University, and this past November, earned his Masters degree in Education from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Rashad Anthony Turner has worked for over 8 years in Education, but is also known for his work around criminal justice reform with Black Lives Matter St. Paul. Rashad Anthony Turner is ten toes down for social justice, and holds no punches. Rashad Anthony Turner will go real deep in his keynote speech on MLK day titled:

Our Christmas Eve Orchestra will again play carols preceding the 5:00 p.m. service. We hope that you will come at 4:30pm to listen to us! If you would like to join in on the playing, we will have one practice on that day at 2:30 pm. Please bring your instrument and a music stand if possible.

There were 448 people walking in the Mankato Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 10. Over $94,000 were raised for the Alzheimer’s Association. Thank you to First Church members who donated! Our team raised $333.

Christian Education Coordinator – Stacy GrundenJuly 20, 2016
We are very happy to introduce our new Christian Education Coordinator, Stacy Grunden! Stacy grew up in Waseca and has lived in Mankato with her husband for the last 12 years. She graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Human Resources. Stacy and her husband Michael have four children, Katelyn (6), Olivia (4) and twins Aubrey and Scarlett (6 months old); and two dogs, Kenna and Bella.

“I enjoy gardening and cooking with my family. We also enjoy traveling, especially to Disney World. When I can find a few free moments, I like to read and belong to a book club. I appreciate how friendly and helpful everyone has been and look forward to getting to know the children, youth and congregation.”

Please give Stacy a big welcome to our FPC family!

July 19, 2016Session is very pleased and excited to announce the news of our new incoming Interim Pastor, Rev. Dr. Nancy A. De Vries.

Please click on the link below to review her story, experience and history!

Our church team, “Sunday Cyclists,” raised an amazing $1895 for Partners for Affordable Housing at “Pedal Past Poverty” on February 27th. Thank you to our generous donors and to our top fund-raiser, Carla Chesley, who raised over $600 from her exercise group. Thank you to the riders: Brad Guss, Sally Erdahl, Carla Chesley, Taylor and Ryan Kuechle, Sue and Sam Sonnek, April and Josh Austin, Grant Hanson
and also to our alternates: Mark or Rhonda Taylor and Terry Kuechle. Thank you to our team captains: Lynn Kuechle and Sally Coomes and Patty Conlin who launched this effort. The event raised a record-breaking $103,000.

Partners in Outreach is now promoting ECHO Food Shelf Donations which will be matched in March by Minnesota FoodShare. All March food and monetary donations to the ECHO Food Shelf will be matched. Boxes for ECHO contributions are in the coat room. Checks payable to ECHO may be placed in the offering plate in March. We will deliver all contributions to ECHO at the end of March.

Thank you to all who made Soup and Pie for Habitat on March 6, such a success. We raised $889 for habitat for Humanity of South Central Minnesota. Thank you to pie donors, servers, dishwashers, dining room set up crew, promoters, guests and our pi/pie tapestry maker!!

Introducing Brett Bybee Communication Committee Intern March 2, 2016
First Presbyterian Church has been looking for new ways to develop more relationships with the community and one way of doing this is through one of the many colleges in the Mankato area. FPC and Minnesota State-Mankato have teamed up again this spring, to develop a Communication Internship program for current Communication Studies students. This is to allow a current college student hands on experience of real world communication work.
Some tasks that have been included are social media, mass e-mailing, advertising, website work and many more for the future.

Brett is a junior at Minnesota State University – Mankato, majoring in Communication Studies, minoring in Mass Media. He grew up in Ramsey, Minnesota with his parents, Tom and Linda, two older sisters, Brittany and Jennifer, and a dog named Bunker. He played football and baseball for Anoka High School. During the summers he worked for a local landscaping company.Some of his interests include: playing sports, working out, boating, fishing, pretty anything active or outdoors. Also, he enjoys traveling and photography, and one day hopes to travel to Australia. He is really looking forward to the new internship opportunity, to further his skills in his field of study. Welcome to FPC!

The Celebration of Life — Mary Roed February 29, 2016

Mary E. Roed, 89, of Mankato passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 24, 2016.A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church in Mankato. Visitation will take place from 5-7 p.m., Monday, February 29, 2016 at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Woodland Hills in Mankato.

Mary was born February 13, 1927 to William and Nan (Seaton) Eberhardt in Alden, IA. She attended Prairie Dale Country School and graduated from Iowa Falls High School in 1944. On May 2, 1948 she married Verland “Dusty” Roed in Alden, Iowa. Together they raised three children, Steven, James, and Nancy Jo.

Mary worked as a bookkeeper at several companies, including 15 years at Kreutzer Motor Express in Mankato. Mary was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church since moving to Mankato in 1961. She served in a variety of roles including Sunday-school teacher, deacon, head usher, funeral service chairman and choir member. As a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, she held many positions in her local chapter as well as being a state and national representative. She volunteered for many organizations such as Vine, Meals on Wheels, the RSVP reading program at Kennedy School, Habitat for Humanity, Cub Scouts and Campfire Girls. In her spare time, Mary enjoyed walking, reading, gardening, doing crafts, and being with her family and friends. She will be remembered as a fun, giving, strong and independent woman who will be greatly missed by many.

Mary is survived by her children, Steven (Gloria) Roed of Lino Lakes, MN, James (Bonnie) Roed of Eden Prairie, MN, and Nancy Jo (Neal) Duncanson of Mendota Heights, MN; 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Verland “Dusty” in 1993; sisters, Betty Nan and Patricia; and brother, Bill.

The family prefers memorials to the First Presbyterian Church or the donor’s choice.

I am a senior at Bethany Lutheran College, studying elementary education. Since it’s my last semester, I’m currently student teaching at a local Mankato school. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to direct the children’s and youth choirs here at First Presbyterian, and have really enjoyed getting to know the kids and working with them.

Music is a huge part of my life. I’ve played the flute since 6th grade, and sung since before I can remember. I also enjoy playing the piano and listening to all kinds of music in my free time. Being a future teacher, working at as a children’s choir director is a wonderful fit for me because I get to combine two things that I love doing, and get paid for it!

I grew up in Corcoran, Minnesota with my 2 parents, 2 younger siblings and cat, Maggie. My favorite movie is a toss up between Jonah, A Wrinkle in Time and Matilda and I have too many favorite books to choose just one (that’s a common teacher problem). I’m also huge fan of anything Disney, musicals, hot chocolate, and jelly beans.

I’ve immensely enjoyed getting to know those of you that I’ve met and hope to meet the rest of you, so please come introduce yourselves 🙂

Holly became our church organist-pianist-accompanist on September 28th! We have had a busy fall and just had time to chase her down and ask her a few questions. We want to make sure we welcome her officially to all members who have not yet had time to meet or talk with Holly.

I am very excited to be a part of First Presbyterian Church’s music program. I’ve met quite a few members and I hope to meet all of you. I have enjoyed playing on such fine instruments and playing a three manual organ is a dream come true for me.

I am a stay-at-home mom and I have a personal business with Mary Kay Cosmetics for the past 19 years. This fall I added my 15th piano student. I’ve been teaching piano for the past 15 years.

I married my high school sweetheart, Devron, and we’ve been married for 19 years. We’ve been blessed with 3 children: Garrett, (10)Autumn, (6) and Lucas, (4). We live on a hobby farm outside of Nicollet and my husband enjoys farming and raising corn and soybeans. And of course, the kids enjoy Jack Frost, our dog, and all their chickens, ducks and kittens.

My first organ lessons were at 11 years of age and at age 13, I lead my first church service. I continued organ lessons and then studied with Dr. Linda Duckett at Minnesota State University. I served at First Presbyterian Church in Lake Crystal for the past 22 years before coming to Mankato’s First Presbyterian Church.

I enjoy spending time with my family taking nature walks and summer nights with campfires and smores with the little ones.

Our Christmas Eve Orchestra will again play carols preceding the 5:00 p.m. service. We hope that you will come at 4:30pm to listen to us! If you would like to join in on the playing, we will have one practice on that day at 2:45pm. Please bring your instrument and a music stand if possible.

New Partnership with MNSU Communication Studies Department

First Presbyterian Church has been looking for different ways to develop more relationships with the community and one way of doing this is through one of the many colleges in the Mankato area. FPC and Minnesota State-Mankato have teamed up beginning this fall to develop a Communication Internship program for current Communication Studies students. This is to allow a current college student hands on experience of real world communication work. Some tasks that have been included are social media, mass e-mailing, advertising, website work and many more tasks for the future!

This fall we have Ashley Kuhlman as our Communications Intern! She is a senior studying Communication Studies with a minor in Sociology. Ashley has provided great insight and assisted the Communications Committee along with adding her Communications Studies expertise and advice during this busy fall church season. When Ashley is on break from school she likes to spend her summers working as a camp counselor and also enjoys going on hikes, hanging out with family & making all sorts of crafts. Ashley hopes to work in a church community or with children after she graduates from MNSU this spring.

First Fridays Series – Debbie Richman – Friday November 6, 12pm

Join us 12pm on November 6th’s First Fridays Series – Debbie Richman who will be joined by Sandi Lubrant! They will be speaking about the subject of, “Where is God in Alzheimer’s?”.This event is free and all are welcomed to join!

Salvation Army – Bundle Me Warm “Coat off Your Back” Event

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Guide August 6, 2015

The Mankato/North Mankato ACT on Alzheimer’s team has put together a resource guide which also has an online version. The guide includes the FPC caregivers’ support group and the online version has a hyperlink to the FPC website—cool!!!

The action team understands that people in our community want information when the need arises and this is an excellent way for people to get started. We want the resource guide to get out to as many people as possible.

Ecumenical Prayer Service Saturday June 20th at 4:30 pm
An ecumenical prayer service will be held to honor and rememberthe shootings at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

Generated by IJG JPEG Library

The service will be at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 720 S. 2nd St, in the chapel.

All are invited.

FREE Monthly Class May – August, 2015 | 6:30-8 p.m.

Are you or is someone you love living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia? These FREE education classes will help you understand the disease, what you can expect and provide you with resources. You are not alone.

Thank you for supporting the First Presbyterian Church of Mankato

RAFE THOMPSON FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR YOUTH IN CRISIS

As a primary contact for youth within our community, the Deacons of the First Presbyterian Church believe that you are in a position to help us reach out to youth in need.

The First Presbyterian Church of Mankato, Minnesota has available funds to provide financial assistance for teenagers/youth in crisis. Mary Thompson, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, established the fund known as the RAFE THOMPSON FUND in memory of her grandson Rafe Thompson.

The amount available is $500 per applicant. However depending on the status of the fund, additional fund requests from the same applicant may be considered.

The youth or an adult advocate (parent, guardian, counselor, outreach worker, friend) must submit a letter to the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church requesting the funds. The letter should include the amount of funding being requested, a description of how the funds will be used: the nature of the services and the provider of the services. The pastor will notify the applicant when the request has been approved. When the applicant or advocate incurs the debt for the services, the invoice or bill should be submitted to the pastor of First Presbyterian Church. Payment shall be made directly to the provider.

The Deacons of the First Presbyterian Church administer the funds. The identity of the applicant may be kept confidential from the Deacons, if the applicant so wishes. However, the pastor must know the identity of the applicant and vouch for the applicant.

Applicants need not be members of the first Presbyterian Church, however, priority will be given to First Presbyterian members and their families.

Some examples of how the funds could be used include but are not limited to: counseling, camp, treatment options, temporary housing.